The trail was dry throughout and a very hot day. I really think this trail should be rated a class 3 the scrambles to the top are very steep and it's at least 2000 ft in vertical gain over the scrambles. Spent a long time climbing with all fours, I never carried poles but think its a good idea on this hike. This is a very long, strenuous hike to complete in one day. I would recommend camping at cross creek and completing it in 2 days.
Beautiful hike it took us 12 hrs roundtrip to complete after a 30 min break at the summit.
We were lucky there wasn't any storms.
I hiked Longs Peak two summer's ago and this hike ranks up there with that one but not nearly as technical however the boulder field is a challenge.